Vehicle seat belt warning signal system

ABSTRACT

A seat belt warning signal, when initiated, indicates that one or more seat belts provided for vehicle occupant&#39;&#39;s use is not fastened about the occupant. A switch in the warning signal electrical circuit is biased in a first position. It is forced into a second position, initiating the signal, when a locking member, provided in the retractor assembly, is disposed in its non-locking position corresponding to full belt retraction. A timer is provided to initiate the signal if the bell is disposed in its unretracted position for a time longer than a reasonable driving period.

I United States Patent Booth 1 May 23, 1972 {54] VEHICLE SEAT BELTWARNING 3,368,197 2/1968 Lemon .340/52 SIGNAL SYSTEM 3,504,336 3/1970Bob1itz.... "34 2 3,381,268 4/1968 Boblitz .340 52 [72] lnventor:Frederick C. Booth, Birmingham, MlCh. [73] Assignee: Allied ChemicalCorporation, New York, Primary Examiner-Alvin H. Waring N YAtt0meyMarvin Bressler and Jonathan Plaut [22] Filed: Jan. 15, 1971 [57]ABSTRACT [2U Appl' 106322 A seat beltwaming signal, when initiated,indicates that one 1 or more seat belts provided for vehicle occupantsuse is not [52] US. Cl ..340/52 E, 307/10, ZOO/61.44 f ten d about theoccupant. A switch in the warning signal [51 1 Int. Cl. ..B60r 21/10electrical circuit is biased in a fi t position it is f d into a [58]Field of Search ..340/52, 52 E, 278; 307/10; Second position, initiatingthe Signal when a |0cking member,

' 200/6 l 61-44 provided in the retractor assembly, is disposed in itsnonlocking position corresponding to full belt retraction. A timer [56]References cued is provided to initiate the signal if the bell isdisposed in its un- UNITED STATES PATENTS retracted position for a timelonger than a reasonable driving period. 3,340,523 9/1967 Whitman..340/52 X 3,226,674 12/ 1 965 Eriksson ..340/5 3 14 Claims, 2 DrawingFigures Patented May 23, 1972 VOLTAGE SOURCE G L m 2 ml] mm As W 5 W G&I 9\ WU 8 l M |I| IO T M R W 6 WI! A W R W Ill- U F R CIRCUIT OPENINGMEANS INVENTOR FREDERICK C. BOOTH ATTORNEY BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSUREThe instant invention is directed to a seat belt warning signaLMorespecifically, the instant invention is directed to a warning signalprovided with a biased switch which is activated when the seat belt isin the retracted position. Most specifically, the instant invention isdirected to a warning signal provided with a switch, which is activatedwhen the seat belt is in the retracted position and also provided with atimer which initiates the seat belt warning signal after a period oftime longer than a reasonable driving period.

As is well known to expert and layman alike, seat belts provideexcellent protectionagainst serious injury in the event of a vehicleimpact. However, seat belts must be fastened about the vehicle occupantsto.provide any protection at all. Oftentimes, occupants simply forget tofasten their seat belts. In

other cases, the occupant realizes he has not fastened his seat belt,but because of the shortness of the trip or simply his annoyance withthe effort involved in fastening his seat belt does not bother to takethis step. In either case, a signal in the form of an illuminated lighton the vehicle dashboard, orv a buzzing sound indicatingan unfastenedseat belt may well have the effect ofcausing the errant occupant tofasten his seatbelt. In

the first instance, where one or more occupants merely forget to fastentheir belts, a signal reminds them of this oversight. In the secondcase, where an occupant does not wish to bother to fasten his belt, thepsychological effect of an illuminated light or a buzzing sound may wellovercome this reluctance.

For the above mentioned reasons, it is generally agreed by those skilledin the art that a seat belt warning signal would be a useful andoftentimes important safety feature for the protection of the motordriving public. However, in the prior art, seat'beltwarning signals havesuffered fromsignificant defeets. Probably the most important defect, inthe prior art, is the lack of reliability of the warning signal systemsemployed. Typically, a warning signal is activated as a function of therotation of the seat belt retractor. That is, the switch closing thecircuit to activate the warning signal would close as a function of anumber of revolutions of the seat belt retractor.

Another difficulty associated with the prior art warning signals is theease with which an occupant can cheat the system. In the prior art, onemerely need fasten the buckle of the seat belt andlodge it in the creasebetween the horizontal and vertical portions of the vehicle seatassembly to prevent activation of the warning signal. Altemately, anoccupant can tie the-belt attached to the retractor so as to preventcomplete retraction. In either case, the effect is the same. The switch,in the warning signal electrical circuit, is disposed in the sameposition as if the belt were fastened about the occupant. Thus, thesignal is not activated.

It should be apparent, from the above, that a warning signal which ismore reliable and more foolproof than the warning signals of the priorart would serve a useful and significant role in the struggle forimproved safety conditions on the nation's roads. I

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The instant invention is directed to a seatbelt warning signal assembly which provides a reliable activating switcheludes a locking member movably mounted on the support for motionbetween a locking position, to prevent the seat belt from moving in theunwinding direction, and a second position The seat belt warning signalassembly of the instant invention is employed in combination with a typeof seat belt retractor assembly most often used in vehicles today. Inthis assembly a retractor support is connected to the vehicle. A reel isrotatably mounted on the support and a belt is connected to the reel.The belt is extended when the reel is rotated in an unwinding directionand is retracted as to the reel is rotated in the opposite, windingdirection. The seat belt assembly also into allow seat belt movement inthe unwinding direction.

In accordance with the instant invention, a seat belt warning signalsystem is provided in a vehicle. The warning signal is preferably awarning light or warning buzzer in electrical communication with theignition switch of the vehicle. An electrical switch, connected to aretractor support, and in communication with a locking member on theretractor is also in electrical communication with the warning light orbuzzer. The electrical switch is biased in a first position, whichcorresponds to the position in which the warning signal is not normallyactivated. The warning light is illuminated, or the warning buzzersounded, by the action of the locking member disposed in its secondposition which allows for seat belt unwinding. The locking member pushesthe electrical switch arm to its second position, against the bias,which corresponds to the position of the switch activating the warningsignal.

The seat belt warning signal system of the instant invention is alsoprovided with a time delay means. A timing device,

which constitutes the time delay means, is reset upon unwinding of thebelt from the retracted position. The timing device activates thewarning signal, to which it is in electrical communication, unless it isreset within the time period before the timing switch of the timingdevice closes.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The instant invention may beunderstood by reference to the accompanying drawings of which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the electrical system of the instantinvention; and

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the retractor switch of the instantinvention connected to a seat belt retracting assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Turning to FIG. 1 in detail, the warning signalelectrical circuit is generally indicated at 2. The circuit 2 includes awarning signal 10. In a preferred embodiment, the waming signal 10 takesthe form of a warning light disposed in the dashboard of the vehicle. Ina second preferred embodiment, the warning signal 10 is a buzzerdisposed in the passenger compartment of the vehicle. The electricalcircuit 2 also includes a circuit opening means 12. The circuit openingmeans 12, in one preferred embodiment, comprises the vehicle ignitionswitch. By including the vehicle ignition switch 12 in the warningsignal circuit 2 the possibility of the warning signal 10 remainingactivated during non-operation of the vehicle is prevented. Altemately,in another preferred embodiment, the circuit opening means 12 comprisesopening of the circuit 2 upon engagement of the vehicle transmission ina neutral position. In this embodiment the warning signal remainsinactivated even while the vehicle engine operates. This permitsdisconnecting of one or more seat belts while a vehicle is stopped withthe engine running. As FIG. 1 clearly illustrates, the circuit 2 isalways opened when the circuit opening means 12 is opened.

The circuit 2 is powered by a voltage source 14. In a preferredembodiment, the vehicle battery is employed to power the circuit 12.Thus, in a preferred embodiment the voltage source 14 comprises astandard l2 volt DC storage battery. It should be appreciated that aseparate volt source may alternatively be employed.

An important component of the warning signal circuit 2 is a retractorswitch 16. The switch 16, which will be described in greater detailhereinafter, is provided with three terminals. Thus, the switch 16 mayoperate in one of two positions. When the retractor switch 16 is in afirst position, a signal is transmitted through electrical conduit 13 toa timing module 18. The signal to the module 18 initiates a timingswitch (not shown). The signal, however, is terminated and does notreach the warning signal 10. Thus, the warning signal does not go on.After a fixed preset period of time after initiation of the timingswitch, disposed in the timing module 18, the switch closes, sending asignal by way of electrical conduit to the warning signal 10. Electricalconduit 15 is connected to an electrical conduit 11, at junction point17. Since conduit 11 communicates with the warningsignal 10, the signal10 is activated. The retractor switch 16, when disposed in the secondposition, is in electrical communication with electrical conduit 11.Electrical conduit 11 is direct communication with the warning signal10. Thus, a signal generated by the switch 16 immediately illuminatesthe warning light or sounds the buuer. The first and second position ofthe retractor switch 16 provides parallel branches between the switch 16and the warning signal 10. It is obvious that only one of these twobranches can be activated at any one time.

A second electrical line must connect the switch 16 to the warningsignal 10 in order to complete the electrical circuit 2. This secondline between the retractor switch 16 and the warning signal 10 isprovided by electrical conduit 19. The electrical conduit 19 includesthe circuit opening means 12 and the voltage source 14 connected theretoin series. The switch 16 is designed so that there is alwayscommunication betweenthe signal 10 and the switch 16 by way of conduit19, subject, of course, to interruptions due to openings of the circuitopening means 12, when the vehicle is not operated, or when thetransmission is in a neutral position.

Turning now to a more detailed description of the retractor switch 16 ofthe instant invention, reference is made to FIG. 2. In FIG. 2 atypicalseat belt retracting reel assembly 30 is shown provided with theretractor switch 16 of the instant invention. The switch 16 is connectedto a reel assembly 30 by means of a shaft 33 which is disposed in theassembly support 31. The connection between the switch 16 and theassembly 30 is made by a spring 24 disposed about the shaft 33. Thespring 24 is connected to an arm 22 of the switch 16. The spring 24provides a biasing means urging the arm 22 to a position away from thebody portion 23 of the switch 16. This position of the arm 22 away fromthe body portion 23 of the retractor switch 16 places the switch 16 inits first position. This position is indicated in FIG. 2 by the dottedline position of the arm 22. The reel assembly 30 is also provided witha locking member 32 which forces the arm 22 toward the body portion 23,thereby disposing the switch in its second position,

when the seat belt 34 is in its fully retracted position.

' The retractor switch 16 is provided with three prongs which connect tothe three electrical conduits in communication with the retractor switch16. Prongs 25 and 26 are connected to electrical conduits l3 and 11respectively. Prong 28 con nects the switch 16 to the electrical conduit19 which is in communication with the circuit opening means 12 and thevoltage source 14.

g The seat belt warning signal assembly is activated when the switchcomprising the circuit opening means 12 is closed. This occurs,depending upon the preferred embodiment employed, when the ignitionswitch is closed, or thereafter, when the transmission is shifted into amoving gear.- The closing of the circuit opening means 12 completes thecircuit 2 by providing electrical communication between the retractorswitch 16 and the warning signal 10. As FIG. 1 clearly indicates,electrical conduits l9 and 9 provide electrical communication betweenthe retractor switch 16 and the warning signal 10 when the circuitopening means 12 is closed. It should be appreciated that a theelectrical circuit 2 is completed since a second electrical lineconnecting the signal 10 to the retractor switch 16 is always providedby either conduit 1 l or by conduit 13-15-1 1.

If an occupant of the vehicle does not fasten his seat belt 34, the seatbelt 34 will be in the fully retracted position. In this position, thelocking member 32 is in its second position which allows for reelrotation. In this position the locking member 32 pushes against the arm22 of the switch 16 against the bias created by the spring 24, forcingarm 22 toward the body portion 23 of the switch 16. This disposition ofthe arm 22 places the retractor switch in its second position. In thesecond position, an electrical circuit starting at switch 16, continuingthrough conduit 11, to the warning signal 10 and back through electricalconduits 9 and 19 is completed. Thus, the warning signal l0is activated.Illumination of the light, or sounding of the buner, warns the occupantsof the vehicle that they have neglected to fasten one or more seatbelts.

On the other hand, if prior to starting the engine, the occupants of thevehicle fasten their seat belts, the belt 34 is unwound from the reeland buckled to a second seat belt member (not shown). As those skilledin the art are aware, the purpose of the locking member 32 is to preventfurther unwinding of the seat belt 34. Without describing the retractorassembly 30 in detail, when the seat belt 34 is unwound a pair of rachetwheels (not shown) direct the member 32 against the seat belt 34remaining on the reel preventing further unwinding of the belt 34.Because of the disposition of the teeth of the rachet wheels (not shown)reu'action is always per mitted. Thus, in the unwound position, thelocking member 32 engages the belt 34 remaining on the reel. In orderfor the locking member 32 to engage the seat belt 34 on the reel, itmust move forward. As the locking member 32 moves forward it moves awayfrom the arm 22, the arm 22 moves forward also under the urging of thebiasing means, the spring 24. Thus, the arm 22 moves to the positionindicated by the dotted lines. For convenience, this position isdesignated the first position of the arm 22 to correspond to the firstposition of the switch 16. In this position there is electricalcommunication between the switch 16 by way of the electrical conduit 13,the timing module 18, the electrical conduit 15 and conduit 11 to thesignal 10. The timing module 18, as stated above, interrupts the signalfrom the switch 16 to the switch 10. However, the signal activates atiming switch disposed in the module 18. This signal is sent as soon asthe seat belt 34 is unwound a sufficient distance so that the lockingmember 32 moves to engage the belt 34 still on the reel. The distancethe belt 34 need be unwound to activate the signal by way of conduit 13to the module 18 is very short, and nowhere near the distance the belt34 need be unwound to be fastened to the occupant. After around theoccupant is prevented. In the prior art, there has been no system toprevent occupants from unwinding the belt, such as that illustrated at34, and maintaining the belt in its unwound position permanently. As theinstant invention illustrates, without a timing device, a seat beltcould be unwound and maintained permanently in the unwound position,without the occupant fastening the belt without activation of a warningsignal. By designing the system so that a time period is fixed frominitial unwinding of the belt 34 such a scheme is thwarted. In theoperation of the instant invention, an occupant who unwinds the belt 34and buckles it to the accompanying belt, thereafter. disposing thebuckled belt in the crease between the horizontal and vertical cushionsof the seat assembly, or alternatively, if an occupant unwinds the belt34 and knots it so that it cannot be retracted, the timing switch of thetiming module 10 is activated. After the preset period of time, thetiming switch is closed and the warning signal 10 is activated.

It should be appreciated that the timing module 10 represents a separatecircuit. Thus, starting and stopping of the vehicle, that is closing andopening of the circuit opening means 12, in no way effects the action ofthe module 18. In order to reset the timing module 18, the belt 34 mustbe fully retracted and thereafter unwound again. Upon unwinding a secondtime, the timing switch of the module 18 is reset. The only way one canprevent the timing switch from activating the warning signal 10 is forthe seat belt 34 to be retracted within the time period set for closingof the timing switch. If, in

seatbelt fastened for a period in excess of the time set in the module18, he need simplyunfasten the belt so that the belt 34 is retractedandthereafter refasten the belt which automatically resets the timingmechanism. in a preferred embodiment, the time is set at 6 hours. It isbeen found that most drivers and passengers do not remain seated in avehicle at anyone time for longer than 6 hours. The slight inconvenienceto an occupant remaining seated in a vehicle for longer than 6 hours ismore than made up for by the beneficial effects of this system.

The preferred embodiment described above illustrates, but does notlimit, the scope and spirit of the instant invention. Other embodimentsincorporating the basic invention herein described are within the scopeof the instant invention as defined by the claims below. Thus,incorporation in the instant invention of a plurality of pressuresensitive devices disposed in the horizontal cushion of the seatassembly may be provided. As many of these pressure sensitive devicesare provided as the number of occupants the vehicle is designed toaccommodate. if these seats are unoccupied, that seat belt retractorposition is cut out of the circuit. Hence, the warning signal'isnotactivated for retracted seat belts which are unoccupied. The scope ofthe instant invention should, therefore, be limited only by the appendedclaims.

What is claimed is:

1. In a vehicle seat belt assembly provided with a reel rotatablymounted on a support, a belt connected to the reel so as to be extendedwhen the reel is rotated in an unwinding direction and to be retractedas the reel is rotated in the opposite, winding direction, a lockingmember movably mounted on the support for motion between a lockingposition to prevent reel rotation in the unwinding direction and asecond position to allow reel rotation, the improvement comprising: anelectrical warning signal circuit including a warning signal inelectrical communication with a circuit opening means; an electricalswitch connected to said support and for movement thereof incommunication with said locking member, said switch biased in a firstposition in which said warning signal is not activated, and movable byengagement with said locking member, into a second position to activatesaid warning signal when said locking member is in said second position.

2. An improved assembly in accordance with claim 1 wherein saidelectrical switch is in electrical communication with said warningswitch by means of a first and second electrical conduit, said firstconduit connected in series with a voltage source means and said circuitopening means.

3. An improved system in accordance with claim 2 wherein said electricalswitch is connected to said warning signal by said second electricalconduit, said second conduit provided with parallel first and secondbranches, said first branch, communicating between said switch and saidwarning signal, is activated when said locking member is in said secondposition.

4. An improved system in accordancewith claim 3 wherein said secondbranch is activated when said locking member is in said locking positionto prevent reel rotation in the unwinding position, said second branchprovided with a timing module which interrupts electrical communicationbetween said electrical switch and said warning signal for a fixedperiod of time whereby said electrical circuit is not completed and saidsignal is not activated during said fixed period of time. 5. An improvedassembly in accordance with claim 1 wherein said circuit'opening meanscomprises the ignition switch of said vehicle, whereby said electricalsignal circuit is inactivated when said ignition switch is open and saidvehicle is not operating.

6. An improved assembly in accordance with claim 1 wherein said circuitopening means comprises engagement of the transmission of said operatingvehicle in a moving gear, whereby said electrical signal circuit isinactivated when said vehicle is not moving.

7. In a vehicle, provided with seat belts disposed on retractable reels,a seat belt warning signal assembly comprising: a warning signalprovided with a first and a second electrical conduit; a voltage sourcemeans disposed in series with said first electrical conduit; anelectrical switch, connected to said retracting reel and in electricalcommunication with said warning signal by said first and secondelectrical conduits to provide an electrical circuit, said switchprovided with first and second switching positions communicating withalternate first and second electrical branches which comprise saidsecond electrical conduit; a time delay means, disposed in said firstelectrical branch of said second electrical conduit, which interruptselectrical communication between said warning signal and said electricalswitch to prevent activation of said signal, said time delay meanscomprises a time delay switch activated when said electrical switchmoves from said first to said second position,

and said time delay switch interrupts electrical communication betweensaid warning signal and said electrical switch when said electricalswitch is in said second position whereby said warning signal is notactivated for a pre-set period of time, measured from activation of saidtime delay switch by the movement of said electrical switch from saidfirst to said second position, after which time said time delay switchcloses, completing said electrical circuit and activating said warningsignal.

8. An assembly in accordance with claim 7 wherein said warning signal isa light disposed on the dashboard of said vehicle, which is illuminatedupon activation.

9. An assembly in accordance with claim 7 wherein said warning signal isa buzzer, which is sounded upon activation.

10. A seat belt warning signal assembly comprising: a seat beltconnected to a supported retractable reel provided with a locking memberwhich engages said belt when said belt is unwound and disengages saidbelt when said belt is retracted; an electrical switch, connected tosaid reel support, capable of being disposed in a first and a secondswitching position, said switch provided with a spring biased arm whichurges said arm into a first position corresponding to said firstswitching position, and movable into said second position, against theurging of said spring bias, when said locking member is disengaged fromsaid seat belt; a first electrical conduit connected to said electricalswitch; a second electrical conduit comprising first and second parallelelectrical paths each connected to said electrical switch, saidelectricalswitch communicates with said first path when said switch isin said first position, and communicates with said second path when saidelectrical switch is in said second position; a warning signal connectedto said electrical switch by said first and said second electricalconduits providing a complete electrical circuit; a voltage sourceconnected in series to said first electrical conduit between said switchand said warning light to activate said electrical conduit; means tointerrupt electrical communication between said switch and said warninglight, said means disposed in said first parallel path of said secondelectrical conduit whereby said warning signal is not activated whensaid switch is in said first position; said means to interruptelectrical communication between said electrical switch and said warningsignal comprises a time delay means which is activated upon switching ofsaid electrical switch to said first position, said time delay means setto complete electrical com- 1 munication between said switch and saidsignal to activate said signal after a preset period of time unless saidtime delay means is reset within said period of time, and said timedelay means is reset only when said electrical switch moves from saidsecond position to said first position.

11. An assembly in accordance with claim 10 wherein said preset periodof time is six hours.

12. An assembly in accordance with claim 10 wherein the vehicle ignitionswitch is connected in series to said first electrical conduit, betweensaid warning signal and said electrical switch, whereby said electricalcircuit is completed only when said vehicle ignition switch is closed.

13. An assembly in accordance with claim 10 wherein the vehicle ignitionswitch and the transmission of the vehicle is connected in series tosaid first electrical conduit, between said warning signal and saidelectrical switch, whereby said electrical circuit is completed onlywhen said vehicle ignition switch is closed and said transmission isengaged in a moving gear.

14. An assembly in accordance with claim 10 wherein said voltage sourceconnected in series in said first electrical conduit comprises at 12volt DC storage battery.

1. In a vehicle seat belt assembly provided with a reel rotatablymounted on a support, a belt connected to the reel so as to be extendedwhen the reel is rotated in an unwinDing direction and to be retractedas the reel is rotated in the opposite, winding direction, a lockingmember movably mounted on the support for motion between a lockingposition to prevent reel rotation in the unwinding direction and asecond position to allow reel rotation, the improvement comprising: anelectrical warning signal circuit including a warning signal inelectrical communication with a circuit opening means; an electricalswitch connected to said support and for movement thereof incommunication with said locking member, said switch biased in a firstposition in which said warning signal is not activated, and movable byengagement with said locking member, into a second position to activatesaid warning signal when said locking member is in said second position.2. An improved assembly in accordance with claim 1 wherein saidelectrical switch is in electrical communication with said warningswitch by means of a first and second electrical conduit, said firstconduit connected in series with a voltage source means and said circuitopening means.
 3. An improved system in accordance with claim 2 whereinsaid electrical switch is connected to said warning signal by saidsecond electrical conduit, said second conduit provided with parallelfirst and second branches, said first branch, communicating between saidswitch and said warning signal, is activated when said locking member isin said second position.
 4. An improved system in accordance with claim3 wherein said second branch is activated when said locking member is insaid locking position to prevent reel rotation in the unwindingposition, said second branch provided with a timing module whichinterrupts electrical communication between said electrical switch andsaid warning signal for a fixed period of time whereby said electricalcircuit is not completed and said signal is not activated during saidfixed period of time.
 5. An improved assembly in accordance with claim 1wherein said circuit opening means comprises the ignition switch of saidvehicle, whereby said electrical signal circuit is inactivated when saidignition switch is open and said vehicle is not operating.
 6. Animproved assembly in accordance with claim 1 wherein said circuitopening means comprises engagement of the transmission of said operatingvehicle in a moving gear, whereby said electrical signal circuit isinactivated when said vehicle is not moving.
 7. In a vehicle, providedwith seat belts disposed on retractable reels, a seat belt warningsignal assembly comprising: a warning signal provided with a first and asecond electrical conduit; a voltage source means disposed in serieswith said first electrical conduit; an electrical switch, connected tosaid retracting reel and in electrical communication with said warningsignal by said first and second electrical conduits to provide anelectrical circuit, said switch provided with first and second switchingpositions communicating with alternate first and second electricalbranches which comprise said second electrical conduit; a time delaymeans, disposed in said first electrical branch of said secondelectrical conduit, which interrupts electrical communication betweensaid warning signal and said electrical switch to prevent activation ofsaid signal, said time delay means comprises a time delay switchactivated when said electrical switch moves from said first to saidsecond position, and said time delay switch interrupts electricalcommunication between said warning signal and said electrical switchwhen said electrical switch is in said second position whereby saidwarning signal is not activated for a pre-set period of time, measuredfrom activation of said time delay switch by the movement of saidelectrical switch from said first to said second position, after whichtime said time delay switch closes, completing said electrical circuitand activating said warning signal.
 8. An assembly in accordance withclaim 7 wherein said warning signal is a light diSposed on the dashboardof said vehicle, which is illuminated upon activation.
 9. An assembly inaccordance with claim 7 wherein said warning signal is a buzzer, whichis sounded upon activation.
 10. A seat belt warning signal assemblycomprising: a seat belt connected to a supported retractable reelprovided with a locking member which engages said belt when said belt isunwound and disengages said belt when said belt is retracted; anelectrical switch, connected to said reel support, capable of beingdisposed in a first and a second switching position, said switchprovided with a spring biased arm which urges said arm into a firstposition corresponding to said first switching position, and movableinto said second position, against the urging of said spring bias, whensaid locking member is disengaged from said seat belt; a firstelectrical conduit connected to said electrical switch; a secondelectrical conduit comprising first and second parallel electrical pathseach connected to said electrical switch, said electrical switchcommunicates with said first path when said switch is in said firstposition, and communicates with said second path when said electricalswitch is in said second position; a warning signal connected to saidelectrical switch by said first and said second electrical conduitsproviding a complete electrical circuit; a voltage source connected inseries to said first electrical conduit between said switch and saidwarning light to activate said electrical conduit; means to interruptelectrical communication between said switch and said warning light,said means disposed in said first parallel path of said secondelectrical conduit whereby said warning signal is not activated whensaid switch is in said first position; said means to interruptelectrical communication between said electrical switch and said warningsignal comprises a time delay means which is activated upon switching ofsaid electrical switch to said first position, said time delay means setto complete electrical communication between said switch and said signalto activate said signal after a preset period of time unless said timedelay means is reset within said period of time, and said time delaymeans is reset only when said electrical switch moves from said secondposition to said first position.
 11. An assembly in accordance withclaim 10 wherein said preset period of time is six hours.
 12. Anassembly in accordance with claim 10 wherein the vehicle ignition switchis connected in series to said first electrical conduit, between saidwarning signal and said electrical switch, whereby said electricalcircuit is completed only when said vehicle ignition switch is closed.13. An assembly in accordance with claim 10 wherein the vehicle ignitionswitch and the transmission of the vehicle is connected in series tosaid first electrical conduit, between said warning signal and saidelectrical switch, whereby said electrical circuit is completed onlywhen said vehicle ignition switch is closed and said transmission isengaged in a moving gear.
 14. An assembly in accordance with claim 10wherein said voltage source connected in series in said first electricalconduit comprises at 12 volt DC storage battery.